Make a wish and blow out your candles!  Have you ever wondered how that birthday ritual began?  Well, it turns out it has been around for a long, long time.  According to historians, the ancient Greeks believed that the flames and smoke of candles had the magical power to deliver prayers and wishes to their moon goddess, Artemis.  They even baked round cakes to symbolize the moon and the candles were added to depict the reflected moonlight.  The Germans, who were arguably the first to celebrate children’s birthdays, also used a large candle in the center of a cake to symbolize “the light of life”.  Through the years, this tradition has held strong, so whether you’re sending or making good wishes…WISH BIG!

View: Special Birthday Wishes ecard from American Greetings